Roxanne Pallett was born in Carlisle, Cumbria, on December 26, 1982. She became famous for playing Jo Stiles in the popular ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She appeared on the show from 2005 to 2008. Her acting skills earned her several award nominations. These included Sexiest Female and Best Actress at prestigious ceremonies. The British Soap Awards and Inside Soap Awards recognized her talent. Beyond Emmerdale, Pallett explored various reality television opportunities. She participated in Soapstar Superstar in 2006. In 2009, she showcased her skills in dancing on ice. Earlier, in 2005, she appeared on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes. Pallett also ventured into the world of film. She starred in horror movies like Lake Placid 3 (2010). Another horror film she featured in was Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort (2014). These roles demonstrated her versatility as an actress.
The Celebrity Big Brother Incident of 2018
August 2018 saw Pallett enter the Celebrity Big Brother house for its twenty-second season. Her time on the show became highly controversial. She accused fellow housemate Ryan Thomas of physically assaulting her. This accusation stemmed from a seemingly playful interaction. Pallett claimed Thomas punched her with force. She described it as being “like a boxer punches a bag.” This made her feel extremely uncomfortable. She also stated she felt unsafe sharing a bedroom with him. However, video footage of the event told a different story. The footage clearly showed that Thomas’s actions were lighthearted and not aggressive. This stark contrast between Pallett’s account and the visual evidence ignited widespread public anger. Over 25,000 complaints were filed with Ofcom. This made it one of the most complained-about incidents in the show’s history. The public felt Pallett’s reaction was a severe overreaction.
Intense Public Reaction and Subsequent Apology
The aftermath of the incident was immediate and intense. Roxanne Pallett faced significant backlash from the public. Media outlets heavily covered the controversy. Some of her former colleagues even publicly criticized her. Many believed her accusations were a deliberate attempt to damage Thomas’s reputation unfairly. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Pallett chose to leave the Celebrity Big Brother house early, on Day 17. Shortly after her exit, she gave an interview to host Emma Willis. During this interview, she admitted to making a “horrible mistake.” She also offered a direct apology to Ryan Thomas. Pallett acknowledged that she had misinterpreted the playful interaction entirely. She expressed deep regret for her actions and the distress caused.
Life Away From the Spotlight After the Scandal
Following the intense controversy, Pallett decided to step away from the public eye. She sought a more private life. In January 2020, she married Jason Carrion in New York. Carrion is a firefighter and a former contestant on Married at First Sight. The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child, a son, in 2021. Since becoming a mother, Roxanne Pallett has maintained a low profile. She has prioritised her family life away from the constant media attention. This decision reflects her desire for privacy and a fresh start.
Reflections on the Past and Personal Development
In later interviews, Roxanne Pallett has spoken about the incident and its profound impact on her life. She shared her thoughts with Closer magazine. In the interview, she expressed that taking a break from the entertainment industry has been positive for her. She stated it brought “better people into my life.” She also mentioned it gave her “a healthier perspective on what’s important.” Pallett has openly acknowledged her past errors in judgment. She has emphasized her strong commitment to personal growth and positive change. This period of reflection seems to have been crucial for her.
Ryan Thomas’s Perspective on the Situation
Ryan Thomas, who ultimately won the 2018 Celebrity Big Brother series, has also addressed the incident in the following years. In various interviews, he has expressed a sense of empathy towards Pallett. He recognized the immense scrutiny and pressure of being involved in such public controversies. Thomas has chosen to move forward with his life and career. He has focused on his acting work and personal well-being. He has publicly stated his desire to put the incident behind him.
How the Public and Media Viewed the Events
The incident involving Roxanne Pallett and Thomas remains a significant moment in the history of reality television. It has been the subject of much discussion and analysis. The event highlighted several important issues. These include public perception of reality TV narratives. It also brought attention to media representation of events.
Current Life and Focus on Privacy
As of April 2025, Roxanne Pallett prioritises her privacy and family life. She has remained mainly out of the public spotlight. Her media appearances have been infrequent. She also does not maintain an active presence on major social media platforms. This deliberate withdrawal from the public eye indicates her strong desire to move beyond past controversies. Her focus is now firmly on her personal well-being and her family. This choice reflects a significant shift in her priorities. She seems dedicated to building a life away from the pressures of fame.